Ah, a Sleeptember special about the state of play with residential conferences circa 2024. Well, the conference and events industry is wide awake, with a solid return to in-person gatherings. But corporate event preferences and behaviours continue to shift. So, it's not all bedroom to boardroom.
This is why The Venue Hunters are here to help you nail residential conferences amidst shifting scenery.
In-Person Events are Back and Better
In-person events bounced back with a bang after a prolonged period of pandemic-enforced glitchy Zoom calls!
The ACC Liverpool’s Industry Trends article confirmed: “As the hosts of the UK’s first post-lockdown conference, we know how valuable in-person events are with attendees across the country… with 52.1% of event organisers reporting an increase in in-person event attendance”
Clearly, folks have had enough of virtual backgrounds and “You’re on mute!” moments, and in-person is winning due to:
· Real Connections - Nothing beats face-to-face networking over a decent cuppa (or something stronger!).
· Increased Engagement - Attendees are more likely to engage without the temptation to multi-task in their workplace or when WFH.
· Meaningful Experiences – Memorable moments are made in real spaces, not on screens.
This is all great news for hotels and venues casting out their nets for residential conferences, the crème de la crème of the MICE market.
That said, virtual and hybrid events still have their place in 2024, despite in-person making a grand comeback.
Why Virtual & Hybrid Events are Still Kicking
Virtual and hybrid events aren’t hanging up their event tech anytime soon, as CVent’s Amelia Brown explained to Event & Visual Communication Association (EVCOM) in her recent Top 10 meetings & event industry trends for 2024 article:
“A survey conducted among our 21,000+ customers towards the end of 2023 revealed that 74% were planning in-person-only events this year, while 26% will include either virtual events or a mix of in-person and virtual events as part of their 2024 event programme.”
So, why are corporate event planners continuing to integrate virtual elements? It’s easy to see:
· Cost-Effectiveness - No flights, no hotels, no pricey meals
· Sustainability - The lower the carbon footprint, the more you (and your business) can meet your eco goals.
· Wider Reach - Virtual events might lack the same "wow" factor. But they’ve earned their stripes as both a practical and inclusive option, enabling you to attract speakers and attendees from all corners of the globe.
These are very real and highly desirable benefits. Unsurprisingly, they’re causing some organisations to question the feasibility of residential conferences in an increasingly hi-tech, price and eco conscious marketplace.
But it’s far from doom and gloom. Because the post-pandemic fusion of hybrid, virtual and residential conferences has inspired a new phenomenon.
When Business Meets Pleasure = Bleisure
It's the trend everyone’s talking about this year. You see, visitors who were previously just here to conference are now also extending their stays for a bit of R&R. And bleisure is booming thanks to:
· Longer Stays on Shoulder Dates - Guests are staying on for a few extra days after close of business.
· Appealling Venue Experiences - Hotels offering more than conference rooms (think spas, golf courses, and packages featuring local attractions) are enticing options.
· Irresistable Deals - Extended stay packages can sweeten the deal for delegates in need of some downtime.
Correspondingly, bleisure is a dream for hotels and venues, bringing in incremental revenue while offering you added value to pass on to your stakeholders.
Ultimately, the challenge is striking the perfect balance between high impact event delivery while keeping affordability, community and sustainability front and centre.
Get in touch with The Venue Hunters when you’re ready to blend business with brilliance. Our FREE venue finding service is a no-brainer, whether you’re on the lookout for hotels and venues for traditional residential conferences, or incorporating hybrid elements and bleisure getaways.
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